Topic Guide
What Is Delayed gratification?
Delayed gratification is a subject covered in depth across 3 podcast episodes in our database. Below you'll find key concepts, expert insights, and the top episodes to listen to — all distilled from hours of conversation by leading experts.
Key Concepts in Delayed gratification
Delayed gratification
This concept refers to the ability to resist the temptation for an immediate reward in favor of a later, greater reward. Ed Mylett presents it as a foundational trait for wealth building, arguing that a lack of it leads to financial downfall, debt, and an inability to save.
Financial discipline
Defined as the consistent practice of managing one's money according to a plan, budget, and goals. Mylett emphasizes that financial discipline, including saving and avoiding excessive debt, is paramount for building and maintaining wealth, contrasting it with the fleeting 'rich' appearances seen on social media.
Vacation vs. trip
This concept explores the differing definitions of leisure travel. Abby Wambach suggests a "trip" might involve depriving oneself of modern luxuries (like camping) to appreciate them more, while Glennon Doyle defines a "vacation" as indulging in comforts (like air conditioning and hotels) as humanity's "far greater works." The episode presents this as important for understanding personal preferences and challenging preconceived notions of what constitutes rest.
Arrogance of memoir
This framework critiques the notion that writing a memoir is inherently self-centered or egotistical. Glennon Doyle argues that using one's own life as a "specimen" to explore the human condition is a humble act that fosters universal connection. The episode highlights how this criticism is often gendered, used to dismiss women's narratives while men's self-explorations are lauded as profound.
Putting down the burden
Inspired by Buddhist master Huji U Kennet, this concept shifts the goal from endlessly holding up life's burdens to recognizing when the burden is so heavy that the appropriate action is to put it down. Amanda Doyle's personal journey illustrates this, moving from a paradigm where not "doing all the things" felt like defeat, to understanding that releasing control and shedding unnecessary responsibilities is the true achievement and path to peace.
Horizon living
Coined during the episode, 'horizon living' describes the practice of sacrificing present peace and well-being for the promise of future peace. The hosts argue that this approach is problematic, emphasizing that if peace is the ultimate goal, then peace must also be the means to achieve it, rather than something to be earned or perpetually delayed.
What Experts Say About Delayed gratification
- 1.Many people who appear wealthy on social media lack financial discipline and often lose their riches due to poor planning and lack of delayed gratification.
- 2.Developing financial discipline, creating a budget, and having a game plan are crucial to avoid being caught unprepared when financial circumstances change.
- 3.It is essential to have a financial plan that ensures you remain stable and "okay" even if things take a bad turn.
- 4.In the current economic climate with high costs and taxes, securing a secondary income is often a necessity for financial well-being.
- 5.The host personally worked a night job stocking shelves at a grocery store for two years while building his business to support his family and save money.
- 6.Sacrificing time and working diligently through a season of life is a valid and often necessary path to achieving wealth.